Judge Mashburn suffers stroke
Last updated Monday, February 5, 2007 2:51 PM CST in News
By Ron Wood
THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE — Circuit Judge Michael Mashburn suffered a stroke late Sunday evening.
The 58-year-old judge who hears cases in Washington and Madison counties was in critical condition Monday in the critical care unit at Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, according to his wife Circuit Judge Mary Ann Gunn. Both are judges for the 4th Judicial Circuit.
“It’s better than we could have hoped for and his recovery period is just beginning. He’s doing very, very well,” Gunn said. “What we’re hoping to do is evaluate what the situation is at the end of the week.”
Mashburn was taken to the hospital after suffering numbness in his arm about 11 p.m. Sunday, Gunn said. Because Mashburn received medical care quickly, the outlook appears good, she said. That care includes medication to reverse the effects of the stroke and break up a blockage.
Gunn said Monday that Mashburn was moving all his extremities and talking.
“He’s got some problems with his speech and he’s got some problems with his grip but they say this drug worked for him,” Gunn said.
But, doctors are planning a battery of tests this week before giving a prognosis, Gunn said.
“He’s a very determined man,” Gunn said. “He’s ready to unhook the wires.”
Mashburn sent much of day Sunday cutting firewood, squirrel hunting and watching the Super Bowl, Gunn said.
“I want to express my gratitude for the outpouring of calls and friends dropping by,” Gunn said. “Their support is very uplifting and encouraging. We really appreciate it, the whole family does.”
Donna Gay, with the Arkansas Supreme Court, said officials are aware of the situation and are working on a request to appoint a judge or judges to take care of Mashburn’s cases while he is out.
“It’s probably going to be an ongoing thing,” Gay said. “They’ve already contacted us and we’re working on it.”
Mashburn, who presides over the Fifth Division of the 4th Judicial Circuit, hears primarily civil cases, domestic relations cases and probate cases. Retired Circuit Judge John Lineberger will likely hear cases for Mashburn this week, Gunn said. She is taking the week off to be with Mashburn.
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Jeff Ash wrote on Feb 5, 2007 4:50 PM: